This figure will multiply to £52,500 after Headquarters have contributed their 50p per £1 raised. his Middlesex event has grown from a dinner at the Rose Room at Twickenham to a major event that is now hosted in the elegant surroundings of The Grand Ballroom in the wonderful five-star Landmark Hotel in London.

The evening began with a champagne reception with every woman being presented with a single red rose corsage. Close-up magicians were on hand to tantalise the guests before beginning a delectable three-course meal. Following the first course, a traditional Baron of Beef was paraded and presented to the host. More than 220 people sang the National Anthem and toasted “God for Elizabeth, England and St George”. There was plenty of exquisite wine to enjoy and quality entertainment including magicians, an auction, a raffle and comedian Ian Irving. In attendance were Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley, Simon Shaw and Rafe Ibanez. Song sheets were provided for an end of evening sing-a-long led by Gary Priestley. Over 50 new members were signed up on the night, some as far away as Cardiff and Perth in Scotland!